Top 5 ways to eat healthy everyday

Top 5 ways to eat healthy everyday

I was having a conversation with my Mom one day and she said, “I get tired of trying to think of what to eat healthy.”  She keeps it real!  And I know she isn’t alone!

I know one of the most challenging things about eating healthy is knowing what to eat on a daily basis in your home.  You know that certain ingredients are good for you, but trying to figure out how to put it all together in a recipe–fuggetaboutit!

Well, there are a few things I’ve learned to do over the years that makes this process a little easier…

1) I keep certain staples in my kitchen.  Dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, onion,peppers, mushrooms, rice, quinoa, nuts, dried herbs, spices, eggs, beans, canned tomatoes, canned fish, etc.  Having staples on hand are nice for those nights when you haven’t planned anything.  You can easily throw together a stir fry or quick, hearty salad.

2) I review magazines and websites with healthy, simple recipes.  Some of my favs are Whole Living, O Magazine, Experience Life, and Real Simple.  If nothing else, these provide inspiration of how to use certain ingredients.  And, I’ve always loved cooking shows — picture me 7 years old watching Julia Child on Saturday afternoons — but that’s me.  Cooking shows are educational.  :)

3) I cook family size portions so that I can have leftovers.  This is nice for those of us who usually cook for one or two.

4) I understand now that it takes a lot of effort on my part to commit to cooking and planning, and that’s okay.  If I don’t plan and commit, it won’t happen. I can remember thinking before how nice it would be to have a personal chef so I wouldn’t have to think of this stuff.  Well that’s not happening anytime soon, so I’m living for today and being my own personal chef!  And guess what?  Cooking is actually a pleasure now!

5) I got over the need for variety all the time.  This was a big one.  This held me back for a long time.  But as soon as I got over the need to eat something different every night, my perspective opened up.  Eating wasn’t just about taste, but also about the information I was putting in my body through food.  Taste is important.  I learned to have both.

Which brings me to my reason for this post.  I want to help you think of what to eat healthy in your home.  I’m all about keeping it simple with my food.  Sure, I love eating food that’s complex and a feast to my eyes.  But on a daily basis, I’m eating pretty simple stuff. Not always easy, mind you.  Cooking from scratch does require effort, but it’s not hard.

So beginning today, in addition to my regular posts, start looking for a new recipe post from me each week.  It will begin with Simply Scrumptious (just like this post).  I’m going to break down how to prepare simple dishes that I prepare at my home.  So if nothing else, you get inspiration for what you can prepare in your home.  But promise me, don’t just view the recipes, actually try some (even if it’s your own version)..and then let me know what you think!

Today, I’m starting with a dessert.  :)  I love chocolate, so I found this chocolate recipe that I think you’ll love.